Allmendinger fails drug test, suspended for Coke 400

NASCAR announced at a hastily-called press conference at Daytona International Speedway that Penske driver A.J. Allmendinger failed a random drug test, and will not race tonight in the Coke Zero 400. He was "temporarily suspended" after he failed the test, which was administered at Kentucky at the race last weekend.

Allmendinger can appeal, said Steve O'Donnnel, NASCAR vice-president of racing operations, asking for the "B" sample to be tested independently, as it was the "A" sample that NASCAR says he failed.

Pesnske Racing issued a statement: "NASCAR notified Penske Racing this afternoon that AJ Allmendinger was administered a drug test earlier this week, and those results tested positive. NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports. Penske Racing will work with NASCAR through this process and its next steps. Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 car in tonight's Coke Zero 400."

Allmendinger took over the Shell-Pennzoil ride when driver Kurt Busch was fired at the end of the the 2011 season. Allmendinger was previously an open-wheel driver in the Champ Car series, before he joined NASCAR with the now-defunct Red Bull team in 2007. He has two poles and 29 top 10 finishes. He also drives sports cars when his schedule permits, and was on the winning Michael Shank Grand-Am team this year.